Following Directions

[DANNY WOOL, SV411]

Lauren Rosenberg seems to be the kind of woman who follows instructions to the letter, common sense be damned. While in Utah recently, the Southern California woman attempted to walk from 96 Daly Street in Park City, to 1710 Prospector Avenue, also in Park City. To find her way, she turned to Google Maps. She did not note the site’s warning that walking directions are in beta mode, or more specifically, the warning to “Use caution—This route may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian paths.” True indeed. The highway that Google Maps suggested she walk along lacked both sidewalks and pedestrian paths. But that didn’t stop her.

Here comes the shocker. She was hit by a car. Now Rosenberg is suing Google for $100,000 plus punitive damages for the injuries she suffered because she followed their instructions—except for the little yellow bar that says “Use caution,” of course. She is also suing the motorist who hit her, but chances are that Google has more money.

One word of advice for this intrepid pedestrian. Before you set out on your Google-inspired walk, consider stopping off at McDonalds and ordering a nice hot cup of coffee for the road. If the boiling water spills on you when you are hit by a car, you could probably get double damages.

Read More at PC World.